Why we're optimistic/pessimistic about the Mariners

October 2, 2013 |By NICK EATON and STEPHEN COHEN

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

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Stephen CohenWhy I’m optimistic: Exciting rotation possibilities
Everybody knows Felix Hernandez is one of the best pitchers in the game, but this season he wasn’t even the best on his own team. Hisashi Iwakuma (above) emerged in his second major-league season, going 14-6 with a 2.66 ERA and leading the American League at 7.0 WAR. Hernandez was no slouch, either, posting a 12-10 record with a 3.04 ERA.
Sure, Joe Saunders was awful in 2013 -- especially over a 3-8 second half when he posted a 6.98 ERA -- and the Aaron Harang experiment didn’t work out, but the bevy of young options for the back half of the rotation are potentially very promising.
Erasmo Ramirez pitched fairly well down the stretch, and uber-prospect Taijuan Walker continued to work his way toward a big-league spot. The wildcard is prized prospect James Paxton, who looked downright dominant in four September starts, sporting a 3-0 record with a 1.50 ERA.

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

4of12

Stephen CohenWhy I’m optimistic: Exciting rotation possibilities
Everybody knows Felix Hernandez is one of the best pitchers in the game, but this season he wasn’t even the best on his own team. Hisashi Iwakuma (above) emerged in his second major-league season, going 14-6 with a 2.66 ERA and leading the American League at 7.0 WAR. Hernandez was no slouch, either, posting a 12-10 record with a 3.04 ERA.
Sure, Joe Saunders was awful in 2013 -- especially over a 3-8 second half when he posted a 6.98 ERA -- and the Aaron Harang experiment didn’t work out, but the bevy of young options for the back half of the rotation are potentially very promising.
Erasmo Ramirez pitched fairly well down the stretch, and uber-prospect Taijuan Walker continued to work his way toward a big-league spot. The wildcard is prized prospect James Paxton, who looked downright dominant in four September starts, sporting a 3-0 record with a 1.50 ERA.